Graphic Organizers

Definition from SDAIE Glossary:

Graphic organizers are visual representations of knowledge, concepts or ideas. They are known to help:
- relieve learner boredom; enhances recall; provide motivation; create interest; clarify information; assist in organizing thoughts; promote understanding

Visual illustrations of graphic organizers allow ELL students to better understand material while learning important vocabulary
Most useful when presented in small group activities; ELLs benefit from opportunities to work cooperatively-students share ideas as they contribute to the group effort
When used they allow students to show achievement across content areas in all grade levels
Facilitate comprehension through visual illustrations of key terms, vocabulary, ideas, and the relationship among them
Allows ELL's to visually organize key concepts and their relationships that otherwise may be difficult material for them to understand
By using them students can more easily see how ideas and patterns in the text are related
Teachers are able to point out important facts from the map or chart at any time during the lesson to clear up confusion a student may have
Teachers can also adjust the graphic organizer depending on the level of an ELL's English
The visual aid of the graphic organizer along with additional teacher explanation will allow an ELL to attain much more from the lesson
Can also help students develop higher level thinking skills and promote creativity
Helps students summarize and interpret text
Can be used for all English proficiency levels
Using graphic organizers is a way to separate large amounts of content information into manageable pieces of essential information